The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The well-marked low crossed over to Patuakhali, Madaripur and Khulna at about 6 pm yesterday after roosting in the northwest Bay of Bengal since Thursday, met office sources said.

It would hang over the land as a well-marked low pressure and trigger rains and winds along the southwestern region as well as in other parts of the country, before moving northwest, likely via Jessore, to West Bengal before fizzling out, the met sources told BSS.

As the low was whirling over the coast it triggered rains driven by winds.

The met office has advised the maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number three. It also warned fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay to stay close to the coast and move cautiously until further notice as the sea became stormy.

The riverports in the country have been advised to hoist riverport signal number two.

It was staying around 8.15 pm over the southwestern part of Bangladesh between Patuakhali, Madaripur and Khulna, the sources said.

As the low crossed the coast of Khulna and Patuakhali, it carried the convective winds and bales of clouds it was gathering during its stay in the northwest Bay.

It dumped 110mm rainfall over Patuakhali in 12 hours till 6 pm today. The met sources said rains and winds are likely tonight in southwestern Bangladesh. Some more are expected in other parts of the country overnight and tomorrow as well.

The met forecast during the next 24 hours beginning at 6 pm today said light to moderate rains or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds are likely at most places over Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places elsewhere over the country.

The day temperature may remain nearly unchanged, the forecast added.